“[Finishing above Arsenal is] not my principal motivation.” he said. “I can feel now it is very important for our supporters and all people that love Tottenham to be above them because the reality is that they are our sworn enemy and you can feel that.

“But for me, it is important to meet our goals and not think too much about our opponents.”

In March 2013, Villas Boas beat Arsenal in the league before making his downward spiral claim.

Arsenal recovered magnificently to pip his side to a Champions League place. Villas Boas was sacked the following season.

Opposite corners: Arsene Wenger and Pochettino (Image: David Price)

But Pochettino, whose side host Watford on Saturday, added: “We are the most important people and we need to keep on our own way.

“It is not important what Arsenal do, or Manchester City or Leicester do.”

Explaining his claim that Kane is on a par with Vardy and Aguero, Pochettino added: “Today, I think Vardy and Kane are showing the same qualities as Aguero.

“They are all different, they come from different circumstances but today if we speak about Vardy or Kane are in the same level as Aguero.”

Hardy is currently the Premier League’s top scorer with 18 goals. Kane is second on 15 while Aguero is fifth on 13.

Meanwhile Pochettino has maintained Dele Alli is set to feature against Watford this weekend, despite coming off against Norwich feeling ill.

The Argentine went on: “Today was good in the training session. We need to assess tomorrow in the last training session. But all the signals are good.”

Asked why Alli was dizzy, Pochettino said: “I am not a doctor but we need to do some tests next week.

“We have a very good medical staff and we are not worried. We need to assess him and know why - but we are sure it is not a big issue. It’s only to have some control. He will be available for Saturday.”